When Did Oregon Become a State?

When did Oregon become a state? As America spread its wide wings from the east to the Pacific westbound, each of the states within the United States formed and became independently recognized by their capitals, symbols, and their industrial advancements. Situated on the coast of the Pacific Northwest, Oregon is bordered by Washington State in the north, California and Nevada in the south, and by Idaho on the east. Salem, located in Marion County, fifty miles south of Portland, is Oregon’s capital. Oregon is known for its fertile soils, hazelnuts, timber, beavers and the famous Oregon Trail which played a major role in its statehood. 

Historians believe that Oregon had already been discovered by Native Americans centuries before the Spanish-Americans arrived. What had been known as Oregon Country became more and more of a mystery to those who lived in the eastern states.

Between 1840 and 1860 thousands of eastern immigrants had begun to travel on this famous pathway that stretched 2000 miles from the eastern states to the Pacific. The Oregon Trail aka the Oregon-California Trail was the channel by which more than 500,000 people had traveled westbound on a four month journey, many barefooted.

When Did Oregon Become a State?

So when did Oregon become a state? Thanks to the determined immigrants who populated Oregon in search of meaningful life in the west, this territory was admitted as the thirty-third state of the American union on February 14, 1859, just in time for the Civil War. Interesting fact… before the Oregon Trail was discovered by eastern travelers, a year-long sea route which included a voyage around the entire continent of South America was the only other way in which to reach Oregon!

Oregon’s Thriving Industries

Thriving industries that fueled Oregon’s economy before and during its statehood are the very ones that continue to provide richly today. A rich agricultural industry, mining, fishing, lumber production, and fur trading were among the strongest industries that made Oregon what it is today.

The Oregonians opposed slave trading and avoided the controversial issues surrounding it. They were actively involved in congressional matters that would determine the fate of their statehood. Therefore, in order to avoid the hassles associated with slavery, they disallowed African Americans to migrate there.

Historical Reflections

After Congress ratified Oregon’s constitution, when did Oregon become a state? After the 1858 constitution draft was submitted, Oregon became part of the Union. Some of the historical reflections symbolized by Oregon’s independence, historical pride, and fertility are seen in its colors, natural beauty, and its various industrious endowments. It is recognized by an array of symbols that resonate into the future.

Fun Oregon Facts

In addition to having an interesting history during its process to become a state, Oregon also has some other interesting features:

• The hazelnut, a flourishing product in Oregon, is adopted as the state’s official state nut. Today, Oregon is the only state to carry a symbol of this kind. A year before Oregon’s statehood, the first cultured hazelnut tree was planted in Scottsburg, Oregon. As of 2010, this is where ninety-nine percent of all hazelnuts are harvested nationwide.
• Oregon’s state colors, navy blue and gold, were designated as official state colors in 1859. Navy blue denotes loyalty and devotion and gold represents achievement and honor. The colors are proudly shown on the seal of the State of Oregon.
• The State Seal of Oregon is a symbol represented by thirty-three stars, a great eagle with outspread wings, an elk, and a mountain scene engraved within the color gold and surrounded by black and blue. It proudly represents their membership into the Union in 1859.
• The state animal is the American Beaver. They are used as a symbol because of their building skills that create natural dams which contribute to the natural water flow.
• The state bird is a colorful, singing Western Meadowlark. It was adopted as Oregon’s symbol in 1927.
• The state tree is a Douglas Fir - a moderately sized tree of great strength and sturdiness. It can reach as high as 325 feet. It was adopted as the state’s symbol in 1939.